Chapter 1733: The voice
"They walked out of the maws of scattered, rabid vermin, and into the jaws of oblivion. The combined forces of the Reaving Dread mercenaries, and the Midnight Inn had long been noticed by Abaddon - noticed and even had their future assimilations planned out.
"Yet, like the first chill of autumn, which breaks through the hold of passing summer, the forces suddenly diverted from the script. They did not venture onto the carefully orchestrated path that had been laid before them. They did not continue to face seemingly random obstacles, all the while unaware that each and every pebble in their path was a part of a meticulous plan.
"Instead, they suddenly began to navigate through the invisible maze, walking across the cracks in Abaddon’s control, their defiance clear, consistent and concentrated. Abaddon was enraged, yet Abaddon needed to take no action at all to enact its vengeance. Their destination brought them deeper into the heart of Abaddon itself, and so they were brought face to face with the true residents of Abaddon, not merely scattered pawns.
"Such a result meant that their demise was not far. Since they defied their assimilation of Abaddon, then they would contribute to it in a different fashion. No one who enters Abaddon escapes without paying a price, and very few manage to escape at all. One way or another, most who enter into Abaddon contribute their souls.
"The first challenge that the two groups were faced with was a Tainted Goliath. The behemoth knew no cultivation realm, and so all who encountered it became its prey. The Goliaths strength would automatically adjust itself based on its target - always ensuring that the Goliath was bigger and stronger.
"Anyone else would have faced the Tainted Goliath, and would have become takeaway dinner. But the champion of the forces of the Midnight Inn proved himself a worthy challenger. The Goliath fertilized Abaddon with its blood and soul, mind and body.
"But the fall of the Tainted Goliath summoned the Death Singer, and after him came the eyes of Enzima. One legendary corruption after another, each one a destroyer of souls and civilizations, faced the groups, bringing onto the path of a slow, gradual death.
"It was like watching the water slowly rising from one’s feet to their knees, secure in the knowledge that the tide would eventually swallow them whole! It was like developing a soft, persistent cough that grew ever so harder, ever so harsher with the passing days, ushering in a final, breathless night.
"Their victories were not victories, only a temporary delay. Their passage to their destination was no real passage, merely a plank they walked towards an endless abyss. Abaddon ached, and their souls would be the salve that granted soothing respite, and so..."
"Oh shut up!" Lex roared, his sword cleaving through the hypnotic voice which had enslaved the two armies, suddenly waking them from the vision that accompanied the voice.